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Road Warrior Newsletter





March 02, 2017

Dear NJGCA Member:

Thank you for reading this week's NJGCA Road Warrior!

Here is what you will find in this edition:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE:
• Securing Credit Cards at the Pumps and Indoor POS Systems; More Tobacco Restrictions Considered in Trenton; Sugary Drink Tax in Philadelphia Harms Consumers, Producers, Retailers; REMINDERS: Employment Opportunity Summit on Wednesday March 8th; Saturday, March 18th Automotive Training Institute Seminar in Atlantic City

NJGCA CLASSIFIEDS
- Gilbarco Encore 300 Dispensers for Sale.  Brand New in 2003.
- In Search Of: Kiosk.  New or Used. Call NJGCA (732-256-9646)

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

Another business goes self-serve while we can’t pump our own gas
West Virginia Governor Proposes Soda Tax, Higher Tobacco Taxes
Is an 'uh-oh moment' imminent for N.J. gas prices?
Will N.J. soon ban flavored e-cigarettes?

TRAINING CLASS SCHEDULE!
• Emission Repair Tech Re-Cert (Section 8, 9, 10) starts March 7

MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER MESSAGE BOARD
• ATS Environmental: Confidence in your Tank & Compliance Testing

• Bellomo Fuel: Exceptional Service, Aggressive Petroleum Marketing
Gill Energy: Getting you There!
TMP Energy Solutions: Another Way to Save On Your Energy Bills

POLITICAL PARTICIPATON: THE NJGCA PAC
• Participate in the NJGCA PAC today and help us keep our Agenda rolling in Trenton!

*NEW*Energy Information Agency Weekly Retail Gasoline Prices

JOIN NJGCA ON FACEBOOK -- CLICK HERE

TO SEE OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL -- CLICK HERE

                                                                                                                                                                 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE: GREETINGS & SAL-UTATIONS!

SECURING GAS DISPENSERS AGAINST CREDIT CARD SKIMMERS &
SECURING CREDIT CARD MACHINES IN YOUR REPAIR SHOPS & STORES

NJGCA OPPOSITION TO ADDITIONAL TOBACCO RESTRICTIONS IN TRENTON
PHILLY TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS LEADS TO 50% DECLINE IN BEVERAGE SALES
REMINDERS: EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SUMMIT ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 8TH AND ati ONE-DAY WORKSHOP ON SATURDAY, MARCH 18TH

 
In the past year there have been several times when we have investigated the use of a special security tape for gas station owners to place on their pumps as a security measure. This tape allows you to see if your pumps were opened by an unauthorized person in an effort to place a skimmer on your credit card readers. The use of this security tape requires a regular inspection of your pumps (suggested to be done once every 24 hours). Although this is a good standard practice, there is nothing in State law that requires you to do so.
 
However, earlier this week a bill was introduced and discussed in the Assembly Finance and Insurance Committee, which will require gas station owners to perform daily inspections on their pumps and keep a log of such inspection, AND perform similar inspections on the credit card POS equipment in their shops and stores. Although the bill requires inspections, the definition of “inspection” is rather vague.  Will inspection of the security tape I just mentioned suffice?  Or does “inspection” require you to actually open up the pumps and check that a device has not been added to your credit card reader? What happens if you inspect the POS equipment in your shop but aren’t able to detect a breach? As I said, the legislation is vague and does not specify. Although this has the potential to be legislation that we could support, this ambiguity prompted me to testify in opposition. Thankfully, the bill’s sponsor is very agreeable to hearing our concerns and addressing them. The issue of credit card skimming is growing larger every day and our ultimate goal is to make sure that the burden of any liability in a security breach is not placed on YOU, the retailer.  I’ll keep you updated as our negotiations progress.
 
At the same time I was testifying at this committee, Eric was submitting our opposition to two tobacco-related pieces of legislation that will be harmful to those of you with convenience stores.  The legislation that would be most harmful proposes a complete ban on the sale of any flavored e-cigarettes / vaping products.  I know that many of you enjoy greater margins on the sale of e-cigarettes than on traditional tobacco, so it is important that we block this proposal. 
 
There was another piece of legislation that would ban all coupons, sales, rebates and promotions on all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping. I know how slim the profit margins are, and when you accept coupons and offer manufacturer rebates, it is a helpful way to attract customers in your door, without any cost to you. NYC has recently enacted a similar ban, and we fear that New Jersey might not be far behind. Of course we opposed this legislation and will keep you updated on what happens.
 
Speaking of neighboring cities and states that do stupid things that eventually end up in NJ, Philadelphia recently enacted a 1.5-cents-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks.  The tax doubles the price of 2-liter bottles and 12-pack cans of soda.  After only being in effect for 6 weeks, some retailers, such as Brown’s Super Stores, which operates 12 ShopRite and Fresh Grocer supermarkets, have reported beverage sales are down 50% and total revenue fell 15%, as consumers drive outside of the city to find cheaper prices. Canada Dry Delaware Valley, which distributes more than 20% of all soft drinks on the Philadelphia market, such as Ginger Ale, Sunkist, A&W Root Beer, Arizona Iced Tea and Vita Coco, said business fell 45% in the first 5 weeks of 2017 vs. 2016, and that business will decline by at least 1/3 over the course of the year, leading to 35 layoffs by March.  Clearly, this policy is affecting all levels of the economy – consumers, producers, and retailers big and small.  We cannot allow this type of tax into New Jersey and will be on the front lines of opposition whenever it is considered.  There are several legislators in Trenton who openly support such a tax.

Finally, two reminders from last week's Road Warrior:

A couple weeks ago, I received a call from Governor Christie's Office inviting NJGCA to participate as a partner in the Governor’s Employment Opportunity Summit. This event will discuss and explore new, innovative ways to enhance employment opportunities and implement neutral hiring practices for NJ citizens with criminal records. Along with NJGCA, groups such as NJBIA, NJ Chamber of Commerce, NJ Restaurant Association and Koch Industries will be participating in the day’s events, and NJGCA is honored to have been asked.  I, unfortunately, will be in Washington DC with Eric for a couple days that week, so Jacy will be attending in my place. 
 
This program is about giving people second chances in employment, whether they have been through substance abuse and rehabilitation or have been convicted of a crime, sentenced to a punishment, and rehabilitated.  In my 23 years in the business, I hired numerous people who needed a second chance. There were success stories, and on one occassion it didn’t work out, strictly because the person being considered was simply unable to perform the job duties as expected.
 
I suspect many of you may be interested in this event because you know how difficult it is to find people willing to do the job. If you are willing to give someone a second chance, this is an appropriate forum for you to attend. Employers and employees both win, and this is about giving second chances to people who have truly demonstrated dedication and earned it.
 
The event is THIS WEEK... 10:00 AM – Noon on Wednesday, March 8th at Thomas Edison State University in Trenton.  It is FREE to attend. Click HERE for the postcard created by the Governor’s Office to publicize the event. You can also call Jacy with any questions. She will be there on the 8th, and I hope that many of my members decide to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about a new program to prepare people to enter the workforce. Remember, NJGCA is one of only a handful of groups selected to participate and NJGCA members are the best in our industry.  Let’s represent them well!
 
Next, I want share a seminar that Automotive Training Institute is offering on March 18th in Atlantic City. The one-day Owners Workshop will ignite your passion again, re- energize your business, and increase your profits by 3% - 5%!  Topics range from increasing parts and labor margins, customer service initiatives, staffing in today’s environment, marketing and increasing car count, and succession planning.  The day includes a wonderful lunch, coffee and breakfast refreshments, and an open forum to answer your questions and concerns!  Click HERE for an informational flyer and more details on pricing and how to register. **Special Rates for NJGCA Members**


Thanks for reading -- See you all next week!

Sal Risalvato
Executive Director 

                                                                                                                                                         

TRAINING CLASSES!!

All classes held at NJGCA HQ -- 4900 Route 33 West, Wall Township, NJ 07753

Emission Repair Technician Re-Cert (Sections 8, 9 10)
Are you already an Emission Repair Technican, looking to re-certify? We have your class too! Renew your license in just two weeks.  The classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays (March 7, 9, 14 and 16) from 1:00pm to 9:00pm.
Please register by clicking HERE.


FUTURE CLASSES WILL BE ADDED UPON REQUEST AND ACCORDING TO DEMAND. CONTACT DEBBIE at 732-256-9646 or DEBBIE@NJGCA.ORG TO LET HER KNOW YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING A SPECIFIC CLASS.  THIS WILL ALLOW US TO GAUGE YOUR NEEDS AND KEEP TRACK OF THOSE WISHING TO PARTICIPATE!!

                                                                                                                                                               

 CLASSIFIEDS! -- FOR SALE & HELP WANTED ADS

IN SEARCH OF:
Kiosk. New or Used. Please call NJGCA at 732-256-9646 if you have any leads!
FOR SALE:
Gilbarco Encore 300 dispensers.  Brand New in 2003.  Pumps work great, just no card readers.  Call Katie or Al at 732-739-1360.

Also offering: Transac system for pumps and two dual LSI island lights

                                                                                                                                                                               

NEWS AROUND THE STATE: THE NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW


03/01/2017:
Another business goes self-serve while we can’t pump our own gas
Wendy’s has announced they will be bringing kiosks to their restaurants so that you can place your own order and not have to be at the mercy of the fast food worker behind the counter. Wendy’s is yet another business in New Jersey joining Walmart, Home Depot, the Post Office, and Wawa that allows self-serve. Why can’t the gas stations join the party? Some will say that the kiosks are due to the fast food workers now asking for fifteen dollars an hour, but I think that business is business and if you’re in business you have to do whatever you can to both make money and save money regardless of the situation. It’s called progress. We’ve heard all the reasons and they’ve been debunked. I’m not saying you should fire the attendant, what I am saying is that you should give people the option of using a pump where there is now an orange cone. The orange cone does not bring in revenue, the self-serve pump will. It’s not fair to the owner of the gas station to limit what they can do to make money and expand their business. As more and more businesses in New Jersey bring in self-serve, it’s not fair to the gas stations that they’re not allowed to be one of them. It’s also not fair to the New Jersey resident who votes and pays taxes that they should not be able to enjoy a privilege that 49 other states take advantage of.
 
03/01/2017:
West Virginia Governor Proposes Soda Tax, Higher Tobacco Taxes
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s second budget swaps lower sales, gas and business gross receipt taxes with higher tobacco taxes and a new sugared drink tax, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reports. “Here’s what it has to be for me: Balance the budget, but don’t cripple us,” he said. The state is currently experiencing a $500 million shortfall in its budget.  Justice’s “Better Health Initiative for West Virginia” would place a penny-per-ounce tax on sugary soda, which would generate an estimated $85 million. That tax wouldn’t apply to sugar-free drinks and would be in addition to the penny soft drink tax that funds the West Virginia University School of Medicine. The initiative would also increase the state’s cigarette excise tax by 50 cents per pack to $1.70 per pack. West Virginia experienced a 55 cents per pack hike on cigarettes this past July. Justice’s new budget also has bumps in wholesale liquor prices and beer taxes.  Both the West Virginia House and Senate have indicated a willingness to work with the governor on coming to a budget decision soon. House and Senate leaders said that they are “glad the governor has heard the concerns of our constituents with his initial proposals and are heartened to know he is open to alternatives.”? 
 
02/27/2017:
Is an 'uh-oh moment' imminent for N.J. gas prices?
How much did we drive last year? Enough to break a record for the fifth straight year in-a-row, topping 3.2 trillion miles, says the Federal Highway Administration. That news has the oil producing nations that make-up OPEC anticipating another record year for driving, which creates a demand for gas and higher prices. So why didn't prices go through the roof last year? Crude oil production and refineries also broke records to keep up. That may not be the case this year. Since OPEC production cuts took effect on Jan. 1, the majority of oil producing nations have stuck to the agreement, despite predictions by experts they wouldn't. With more than 90% compliance with the Vienna agreement, OPEC officials hinted that could set the stage for more production cuts later this year to bring prices up. "All countries involved remain resolute in (their) determination to achieve a higher level of conformity," said Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, OPEC Secretary General in a speech last week. This is close to an uh-oh moment for drivers, which will start to become reality in mid-March. Currently, we're enjoying stable prices, which have trickled down a few cents a gallon each week, as predicted by Tom Kloza, Oil Price Information Service global petroleum analyst.
 
02/27/2017:
Will N.J. soon ban flavored e-cigarettes?
NJ is now a step closer to banning the sale and distribution of most flavored electronic smoking products. The Assembly Health Committee voted 7-2, with two abstentions, on Monday to approve the bill, which would ban anyone from selling increasingly popular "vaping" devices and products in all flavors other than clove, menthol, and tobacco. "Vaping" is the processes of pulling on an electronic smoking device -- sometimes known as an e-cigarette -- that turns flavored liquid into vapor. There are hundreds of flavors available, from honey to chocolate to cherry. Vape stores have popped up in storefronts across New Jersey and the rest of the country in recent years. New Jersey already bars the sale or distribution of flavored cigarettes, except those that come in clove, menthol, or tobacco flavors. If passed by both houses of the state Legislature and then signed by the governor, this bill (S298/A3704) would expand that law to also bar electronic smoking devices, cartridges, and liquid refills with flavors other than the three allowed. If the measure becomes law, violators would face an initial fine of $250. A state Senate panel approved the legislation last year after a tense hearing. Now, the full state Senate and Assembly would each have to pass the measure before it gets to Gov. Chris Christie's desk.

                                                                                                                                                                  

MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER MESSAGE BOARD:






TMP Energy Solutions

Another Way to Save on Your Energy Bills

We have had a number of NJGCA members successfully reduce their rate per kWh signing up through our energy saving program. We know it's difficult to collect 12 months worth of previous electric bills to get an "accurate" analysis when comparing a variable rate to a fixed rate, but we now have another option available. 

This new solution is a power purchase option; the other program is still in full force and has saved members thousands of dollars. If you sign up for the power purchase option, you will be grouped with other NJGCA members until the minimum kW demand is acquired. By pooling the member's usage together, you will be able to take advantage, as large energy users do, and receive a lower kWh rate.

Each member will receive their own contract. Each member is responsible to sign and return the agreement the day it is received in order to secure the price for their group.

Please do your due diligence, so when you receive the proposal and the agreement you will be able to make an intelligent decision.

If by chance, you still want us to assess you bills, to give you a price to compare, we will require 12 months of your most recent utility bills.

There are no bills required, but we would still like to have one bill per meter on file to check account #'s, meter #'s  service addresses and other pertinent information incase there is a problem.

The term of the agreement is for 12 months. During this term period, you will have price protection against any energy price increases along with a low fixed kWh rate.

If you are interested in becoming part of this power purchase option, please contact Greg Cannon at the NJGCA.

Remember when you sign up your energy through the NJGCA Energy Program, TMP makes a considerable donation to the NJGCA Scholarship Fund through their proceeds. This has no affect on your rate, and costs you nothing out of pocket.

We hope to help hundreds of NJGCA members reduce their utility costs by participating in this and our other cost reduction programs.  Our purpose, in the endeavor, is to help NJGCA members lower their energy costs while supporting the NJGCA Scholarship Fund. 

Contact GREG CANNON at 732-256-9646 or email Greg at greg@njgca.org. Mention that you are interested in saving money on your energy bills. NJGCA & TMP Energy Solutions will handle all the rest. 

                                                                                                                                                                        

POLITICAL PARTICIPATON: THE NJGCA PAC

DEFENDING OUR MEMBERS.
PROTECTING YOUR INTERESTS.
ANSWER THE CALL & CONTRIBUTE TODAY!!

Promoting our agenda in Trenton is of utmost importance to NJGCA and our members.

However, in order to truly affect the debate, we must ensure our friends in the Legislature are re-elected. It is for this reason that your Association has established the NJGCA PAC.

For too long, the weight of funding our Political Action Committee, the arm of the Association responsible for political donations, has rested upon a few. This is not only unfair to those few members who have shouldered this burden, but means we are not utilizing our full strength to affect the debate in Trenton.

To truly understand the importance of supporting our allies, consider our successes in Trenton:

We defeated BELOW COST SELLING
We made history in getting FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL signed into law!
We have built large support for RIGHT TO REPAIR and got it passed out of the Assembly
We defended your small business against the false accusations of Attorney General Anne Milgram
We gained wide support to move New Jersey to an all PIF Inspection System and close the CIF lanes
...and MUCH MORE!!

In each instance, we achieved these goals with the help of our friends in the Legislature!

If every member contributes just $100.00 we will be able to provide the help necessary to ensure victory for our allies. 

PLEASE SEND YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO:
NJGCA PAC
4900 Route 33 West, Suite 100
Wall Township, NJ 07753
Please make your donation payable to NJGCA PAC

I understand that times are tough for all NJGCA members, but this is just as important as any battle we have fought in the past.

We have made great progress in Trenton. I hope that you will answer the call. 

                                                                                                                                     

*NEW*Energy Information Agency Weekly Retail Gasoline Prices

Each week, the Energy Information Administration publishes a list of average gasoline prices for the previous three weeks. NJGCA will begin including this list with the Weekly Road Warrior.  Remember, these prices are for reflective of self-serve everywhere except NJ.